Sam Hall

Priced from $38,290 plus on-road costs, the latest offering from the Honda stable is available exclusively in AWD guise and in two different grades: DTi-S and DTi-L.

The centrepiece of the new model, a 2.2-litre turbocharged diesel engine, produces 110kW of power at 4000rpm and 350Nm of torque at 2000rpm. It comes mated to the choice of six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmissions, returning a combined claimed fuel consumption of 5.8L/100km (manual) and 6.7L/100km (auto).

The diesel engine adds a circa-$5000 premium to the AWD petrol range, which kicks off at $32,790 for the 2.4-litre VTi.

However, despite its generous equipment levels, it is clearly undercut by existing diesel competitor offerings. Like for like, it comes in more expensive than the Ford Kuga(from $39,240 with standard auto), Kia Sportage(from $35,490 with standard auto), Mazda CX-5(from $39,470 with standard auto), Subaru Forester (from $35,490 manual) and Toyota RAV4(from $35,690 manual).

Built in the United Kingdom, the diesel CR-V range scores subtle styling tweaks over Thailand-sourced petrol variants, which benefit from a free trade agreement that eliminates the 5 per cent import duty.

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Externally, diesel variants receive a unique headlight assembly including daytime running lights and a new tail light design. Inside different trims and materials have been used: chrome and black plastics replace the woodgrain of the petrol variant, and in DTi-L guise, different leather trim has been used for the seating.